NAples Chamber Blog

NAPLES, FL (Jan. 11, 2019) – The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Collier County Commissioners selected Waterside Shops as the Business of the Month for January 2019.​Each month, the award is presented to an organization that has enhanced the community through financial, volunteer and active involvement in organizations and programs that assist in creating a better quality of life for all citizens in Collier County.

The Board of Collier County Commissioners and Bethany Sawyer, the director of membership at The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, presented Anne Fleming, general manager, with a commemorative plaque at the Jan. 8, 2019 County Commission meeting.

Founded in 1992, Waterside Shops is the Gulf Coast's premier shopping and dining destination where the finest names in luxury retail and fashionable lifestyle stores are set amid a lush landscape of 30,000 tropical plants and flowering shrubs, a 550-foot-long, hand-laid rock wall punctuated by cascading water, and dramatic lightning features.Waterside has helped raise over $300,000 annually for local nonprofits that support children, education, healthcare, and the arts including Golisano Children’s Museum, Naples Children & Education Foundation, Guadalupe Center, Baby Basics, Artis – Naples, STARability Foundation, AVOW Hospice, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, and Champions for Learning.

Most recently, Waterside donated $25,000 to the Women’s Foundation of Collier County and $20,000 to United Way through their 25th Anniversary Shopping Days – their largest donations to date.Each year, Waterside hosts a student fashion show featuring student models dressed head-to-toe in the latest fashions. Through this event, Waterside donates over $40,000 annually to The Community School of Naples Financial Aid Program.

Waterside Shops also hosts a Halloween celebration that benefits Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples and their efforts to support children now and into the future. Last year, they donated over $5,000 to the Children’s Museum. Additionally, the coins in the fountains at Waterside are donated to alternating charities. These coins have benefited Baby Basics, The Shelter for Abused Women & Children, The Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Avow Hospice, and many others. $10,000 is donated annually as a result of Coins for a Cause.

NAPLES, FL (Dec. 18, 2018) – The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Collier County Commissioners selected Grace Place for Children and Families as the Business of the Month for December 2018.Each month, the award is presented to an organization that has enhanced the community through financial, volunteer and active involvement in organizations and programs that assist in creating a better quality of life for all citizens in Collier County.

The Board of Collier County Commissioners and Bethany Sawyer, the director of membership at The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, presented Tim Ferguson, CEO, with a commemorative plaque at the Dec. 11, 2018 County Commission meeting.​Grace Place for Children and Families is a non-profit educational agency serving children and families identified as at-risk in the Golden Gate community. Comprehensive family literacy, early childhood education, out of school and summer programs, adult education and a weekly food pantry are the core educational and support services designed and delivered to break the cycle of poverty for children and families through education in Golden Gate.

Grace Place for Children and Families provides comprehensive programming to over 950 students and 700 families residing in the Golden Gate community. Education programs include early childhood education, school-age and adult education. English language learning, financial literacy and citizenship classes support the educational needs of adults in Collier County. The weekly Food Pantry program provides essential supplemental food to needy families in Collier County.

The organization has over 500 volunteers from the community supporting all the educational and support services programs provided through Grace Place. Additionally, Grace Place collaborates with multiple organizations in Collier County, the State of Florida and at the national level providing services and support to children and families identified as at-risk residing in Collier County.

Each month, the award is presented to an organization that has enhanced the community through financial, volunteer and active involvement in organizations and programs that assist in creating a better quality of life for all citizens in Collier County.

Sanchez-Casal Florida Club & Tennis Academy has 45 employees and 60 full-time students from 15 different countries who live, study and train on site. The tennis club has 300 annual family members.

The Board of Collier County Commissioners and Bethany Sawyer, director of membership, Naples Chamber of Commerce, presented Pavel Slozil and Rogelio De Haro of Sanchez-Casal, Florida Club & Tennis Academy, with a commemorative plaque at the Nov 13, 2018 County Commission meeting.​Over 4,000 active tennis players from all around the world visit the tennis club each year to play more than 50 tournaments and train with the professionals. The organization hosts the Emilio Sanchez Special Olympics Tennis & Music featuring Special Olympics tennis players from the state of Florida. Sanchez-Casal also hosts the Casper Tour, a tennis series played in 7 different US cities and internationally. Proceeds from the tour benefit children with diabetes and the Emilio Sanchez Vicario Foundation.

NAPLES, FL (October 12, 2018) – The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Collier County Commissioners selected The Immokalee Foundation as the Business of the Month for October 2018.

Each month, the award is presented to an organization that has enhanced the community through financial, volunteer and active involvement in organizations and programs that assist in creating a better quality of life for all citizens in Collier County.

Since its inception in 1991, The Immokalee Foundation's mission has been building pathways to success for the children of Immokalee by emphasizing education, vocation and life skills. The Immokalee Foundation now serves approximately 1,300 Immokalee students each year and matches area volunteers as mentors to its students. ​The Board of Collier County Commissioners and Bethany Sawyer, director of membership, Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, presented Noemi Perez, executive director, Immokalee Foundation, with a commemorative plaque at the October 9, 2018 County Commission meeting.

Community Enhancement ActivitiesThe Immokalee Foundation annually commits more than $4,000,000 into the Immokalee community to enhance educational opportunities for the students residing therein. These funds also provide post-secondary scholarships to these students to help eliminate the financial barrier of a college or vocational education, enabling them to gain professional employment upon graduation.

An integral part of accomplishing The Immokalee Foundation’s mission is building bridges between residents of Naples and the children and families of Immokalee. The Immokalee Foundation’s and its students’ successes are intertwined with the generosity of our volunteers and benefactors from Naples. Without the support of the greater Naples community, the programming of The Immokalee Foundation would not be possible. In fact, most of the foundation’s 140 volunteers who serve as mentors are from Naples. This is an extremely important volunteer function because Take Stock in Children scholarships, administered by The Immokalee Foundation, can only be awarded to students who are matched with a mentor. Through the program 100 percent of its students graduate from high school and enroll in college or a vocational program. Of those students, 84 percent graduate from a post-secondary program.​Thanks to The Immokalee Foundation’s programs, graduates become skilled and qualified professionals, the majority of whom return to serve as part of the workforce in Collier County.

NAPLES, FL (September 25 2018) – The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Collier County Commissioners selected Driftwood Garden Center & Florist as the Business of the Month for September 2018.​Each month, the award is presented to an organization that has enhanced the community through financial, volunteer and active involvement in organizations and programs that assist in creating a better quality of life for all citizens in Collier County.

The Board of Collier County Commissioners and Bethany Sawyer, Director of Membership, Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce presented Craig Hazelett, his wife and parents, with a commemorative plaque at the September 11, 2018 County Commission meeting.

Driftwood spans two acres, offering thousands of interior and outdoor plants. In addition to plants, they offer a large selection of pottery and other resources for gardening.​The stores encompass a full-service Nursery, water gardening center and florist. Driftwood also has professional landscape designers on staff to create custom home or commercial landscape designs.

NAPLES, FL – The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Collier County Commissioners selected PANIRA Healthcare Clinic, Inc. as the Business of the Month for July 2018.

Each month, the award is presented to an organization that has enhanced the community through financial, volunteer and active involvement in organizations and programs that assist in creating a better quality of life for all citizens in Collier County.

The Board of Collier County Commissioners and Bethany Sawyer, membership engagement specialist, Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce presented Owner and Founder Lawrence Egger and Development & Marketing Director Rachel Henderson with a commemorative plaque at the July 10, 2018 County Commission meeting.

PANIRA Healthcare Clinic, located in East Naples, is working on closing the access gap and promoting health equality amongst all including our most needy. Founded in 2015 by husband and wife team, Lawrence and Geneve Egger, the clinic’s mission is to provide quality healthcare and equal access to anyone in the community, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, income, education, geographic location, disability, or sexual orientation in a manner that is comprehensive, current, and culturally appropriate.

PANIRA provides primary care, express care, medical screenings, wellness exams and walk-in services to all ages. Their organization makes a special effort to help patients from all cultural backgrounds feel accepted, welcomed, respected, and valued in the clinic. From its inception, PANIRA began promoting affordable healthcare through a self-pay, sliding fee scale for uninsured working and unemployed individuals. They also accept insurances.

Personal Community Enhancement ActivitiesPANIRA Healthcare Clinic constantly treats patients with uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes who are unable to pay for lab or diagnostic testing along with uninsured children or adults with acute healthcare needs. The clinic’s providers also treat patients with complex medical conditions and are working on building a broader referral network of specialists to address special medical needs. They are also working on offering specialty services during a second free clinic day each month.

Since January 2017, PANIRA began providing a monthly free clinic on the second Wednesday of each month. This free clinic provides access to healthcare for patients of all ages who are uninsured and who cannot afford the fees charged by the clinic. In 2016, PANIRA Healthcare Clinic treated 1,568 patients and in 2017, they more than doubled the number of patients treated to 3,976. Providing this care is especially important to the founders, as Geneve experienced the hardships and struggle to navigate the healthcare system in Collier County when she was unemployed and uninsured.

NAPLES, FL (June 25, 2018) – The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Collier County Commissioners selected ArgoTrak, Inc as the Business of the Month for June 2018.​Each month, the award is presented to an organization that has enhanced the community through financial, volunteer and active involvement in organizations and programs that assist in creating a better quality of life for all citizens in Collier County.

The Board of Collier County Commissioners and Bethany Sawyer, Membership Engagement Specialist, Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce presented Jim Wheeler, owner, with a commemorative plaque at the June 12, 2018 County Commission meeting.​ArgoTrak is devoted to providing its customers with high quality, cost-effective GPS tracking solutions to track, monitor and protect vehicles, vessels, valuable assets, employees and loved ones.

Furthermore, ArgoTrak believes strongly in giving back to, and being active in, the community where we live and work. In order to do that, they have teamed up with several great organizations including: The Red Cross, the Greater Naples Chamber, Florida Baptist Children’s Home, Make a Wish and Literacy Buddies.

Utilizing their business resources (products, equipment, revenue, team members and community relationships), they provide used/returned GPS devices to non-profits such as, St. Matthew’s House, Youth Haven, private schools, youth servicing organizations, etc., at no cost and with donated or reduced monthly service fees. A few interesting examples:

After a school bus was stolen and replaced, a GPS tracking device was provided. So if the bus was to be stolen again, the school would immediately know where it was.

Other GPS devices are provided to non-profits that transport children to school, trips, and appointments.

GPS units are given to non-profits that pick up donated items and bring them to the thrift stores. Both the trucks and contents are protected.

Tracking devices and “loaned out” to individuals who may be in danger, i.e. a child where custody is questioned and/or jeopardized.

ArgoTrak uses revenue to support local organization through sponsorships. For several years, they have sponsored the Naples Chamber Distinguished Public Service Awards providing the “kick-off” lunch, movie night and provide a free family movie, soda and popcorn. Over 250 first responders and their family members enjoy these activities at no charge.

Supporting education is also a high priority for ArgoTrak, both for high school and college students. Several of ArgoTrak’s “reach out” programs include:

Participation in shadowing days for high schools, both public and private. Welcoming students into their office for a day or a series of days to learn what they do in terms of technology and small business/entrepreneurship.

They have had three paid interns from FGCU, with one intern converted to a full-time employee. After working at ArgoTrak, this student started her own business.

ArgoTrak’s owner, Jim Wheeler, is grateful for those that mentored and invested in him and his team. An important goal is to encourage students to explore different fields and learn technology (ArgoTrak’s technology is unique) so that he can guide them to their future careers.

Community Enhancement ActivitiesJim Wheeler believes in personal community involvement. He is a deacon for his church (Summit Church Naples) and serves on the hospitality committee preparing meals for up to 200 people several times a year for youth group retreats, fellowship gatherings, and lunch/breakfast at partner schools (Barron, Osceola, and Oak Ridge). He truly has a passion for cooking, especially BBQ.He also referee’s for youth sports at First Baptist’s Beacons Youth Sports Outreach. In addition, Jim and Christine (Jim’s wife) are licensed foster parents currently caring for a six-month old who came directly from the hospital.

In addition, is active in the non-profit, Haiti Bible Mission where he and Christine sponsor two children. Jim spent time in Haiti doing clean-up work just after the devastating hurricane (on one of the first teams into Jeremie, Haiti). Following in their footsteps, Jim and Christine’s adult children (who also work at ArgoTrak) have spent time on mission for up to six weeks in Jeremie.

With all of Jim’s limitless energy, he would be more than happy to organize a four-some for any local charity golf tournament.

NAPLES, FL (May 14, 2018) – The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Collier County Commissioners selected Naples Print Source as the Business of the Month for May 2018.

Each month, the award is presented to an organization that has enhanced the community through financial, volunteer and active involvement in organizations and programs that assist in creating a better quality of life for all citizens in Collier County.​The Board of Collier County Commissioners and Bethany Sawyer, Membership Engagement Specialist, Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce presented Blase Ciabaton, owner, with a commemorative plaque at the May 8, 2018 County Commission meeting.​Naples Print Source has been producing compelling marketing collateral in Collier County, Florida since 1980. Custom printing is their specialty, designing and producing Fortune 500-caliber print materials for smaller, locally-based companies and non-profit organizations.

The Naples Print Source team has developed strong relationships with many local non-profit organizations providing financial assistance whenever possible. In the last 12 months, the team has actively supported The League Club, Naples Players, Laces of Love and the Collier County Freedom Memorial, among others. Naples Print Source has also sponsored more than 20 seasons of Naples Optimist Soccer.

Community Enhancement ActivitiesAs a local business owner, Blase Ciabaton recognizes the importance of personally “Giving Back” to the community and various local charities. In 2007, Blase was the chairman of the Collier County American Heart Association Heart Ball Auction Committee. From 2004-2009 he also captained the Naples Print Source “Light the Night” walking team dedicated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Most recently, Blase was captain for the “Great Strides” Walk team which aids Cystic Fibrosis research.

In addition, Blase has served in various volunteer capacities at the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, including Chamber Ambassador and Chairman of the Chamber’s Business Education Committee. In 2008, he was recognized as the Business Education Volunteer of the Year.

Resulting from his business accomplishments and civic involvement, Blase was selected by Gulfshore Business as a member of the 2009 “40 Under 40” business professional in Southwest Florida. Blase is the proud father of 4, with the oldest being 20 years of age.

NAPLES, FL (April 12, 2018) – The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Collier County Commissioners selected the American Red Cross, Florida's Southern Gulf Chapter as the Business of the Month for April 2018.

Each month, the award is presented to an organization that has enhanced the community through financial, volunteer and active involvement in organizations and programs that assist in creating a better quality of life for all citizens in Collier County.

The Board of Collier County Commissioners and Susan Kuhar, Account Executive, Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce presented Jill Palmer, executive director and Steve Adamczyk, board chair with a commemorative plaque at the April 10, 2018 County Commission meeting.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.

The American Red Cross, through its strong network of volunteers, donors, and partners, is always there in times of need. They aspire to turn compassion into action so that all people affected by disaster receive care, shelter, and hope. In South Florida, the Red Cross responds to some disaster every 20 hours - no matter the time of day or night - utilizing a workforce comprised of 92% trained volunteers.

In 2017, the Red Cross responded to six major disasters within 45 days – providing more shelter stays than in the past four-years combined. When Hurricane Irma made landfall in Collier County, the Red Cross was prepared and provided shelter, food, and comfort to our community. Over the course of seven-weeks, the local chapter provided more than 37,000 shelter stays; served more than 407,000 meals and snacks; distributed nearly 250,000 relief items; made more than 16,000 health and mental health contacts; opened 1,300 cases to help families recover; and provided direct financial assistance to more than 4,600 residents.

NAPLES, FL (March 21, 2018) – The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Collier County Commissioners selected Cable USA LLC as the Business of the Month for March 2018.

Each month, the award is presented to an organization that has enhanced the community through financial, volunteer and active involvement in organizations and programs that assist in creating a better quality of life for all citizens in Collier County.

The Board of Collier County Commissioners and Bethany Sawyer, Membership Engagement Specialist, Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce presented Richard Woodman, vice president of finance and CableUSA LLC staff with a commemorative plaque at the March 13, 2018, County Commission meeting.

Cable USA LLC provides a complete product offering of high performance wire and cable using both high and low temperature materials. They offer custom designs to meet the most exacting requirements. As an experienced manufacturer they assure that all their products are engineered and manufactured with the highest level of expertise.

Cable USA LLC and its team take pride in their support of local organizations such as Collier County Museums, the Sunshine Kids Foundation and the Collier County Regional Science and Engineering Fair. Additionally, they work closely with Lorenzo Walker Technical College to support fundraising efforts and expose students to local job opportunities. Cable USA and their staff believe that Naples is a wonderful and interactive place to live and work; by donating time and funds to local charities and organizations, they are hoping to enrich the community and encourage other businesses to get involved as well.